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WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 



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By MARION WAYLAND, 

II 

Author of Pleasant Times. 




BOSTON : 
HENRY A. YOUNG & COMPANY. 

1887. 






Copyright by 
Heney a. Young & Co. 

1887. 



CARL H. HEINTZEMANN, 50 SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON. 



WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 

AN EXERCISE FOR MAY-DAY. 



- BY 

MARION WAYLAND. 



SCENE FIRST. 



[A forest of evergreen trees ; in the centre, a rustic bower, 
in which is a large chair, elevated and covered with green. 
The curtain rises, disclosing Flora, goddess of Spring 
(dressed in white, a crown and sceptre made of flowers), 
seated upon her throne. On her left, stands Zephyros, 
the ^Yest-\vind god, husband of Flora, his figure slight, 
draped with a mantle of unbleached cotton cloth ; long 
flesh-colored hose ; a skirt just below the knees.] 

Flora. What a rude, blustering fellow is March ! 
And yet to earth what benefits he brings ! 
Though harsh his tones and rough his ways, his 

heart 
Is kind ; he prophecies of better things. 
But he has said "farewell!" and April comes 
With smiles and tears. 

[Enter April dressed in green tarlton (window screening, 

will answer the purpose) over white; a coronet, on which 

is the word "April;" a few flowers in her hair, and a 

bouquet in her hand. She bows ; Flora and Zephyros 

acknowledge it.] 

• Flora. Ah ! welcome, sweet April ! We've longed to see 
'I'hy foot])rints in the vales and on the hills, 
Bask in thy smiles or by their tears be moved, 



4 WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 

And hear thy voice in breezes soft, and minpi'ring 

rills. 
The earth doth sing for joy that thou art come; 
My grateful heart would join the glad refrain, 
And lielp to swell tlie grand thanksgiving psalm, 
Which echoes o'er the hill-top and the plain. 

Zephyros. Welcome ! thrice welcome ! faithful friend. 

April. Inspiring to me, is thy song of joy, 

(^Smilinf/) Speeding me on in my loved employ. 
All nature is waking to life again, 
Since thou, fair Goddess, hast come to reign. 
The flowers are springing here and there, 
And buds are swelling everywhere ; 
The robin tells us that Spring is here, 
And otlier songsters will soon appear. 

(Sadly) But I must away ; my w'ork is done; 
J shall depart ere another sun ; 

(Smiling) And then JSIay cometh with smiling face, 
With beautiful foi-m and winning grace. 
To brighten the earth by her magic spell ; 

(Sadly) But I must hasten, so fare thee well ! 

Flora. It seems but yesternight since stormy March 
Came roaring, like a lion from his lair. 
And now thou comestnear, to say farewell, 
Suggesting for May's advent we prepare. 
For W'hat thou hast accomplished, praise is due. 
And we rejoice in all thy hands have wrought ; 
Though we must part, that we shall meet again, 
Will ever be to us a cheering thought. 
Farewell ! 

Zephyros. Farewell ! dear friend, thou'lt return again, 
To gladden the earth and the lives of men. 

(April bows and retires.") 

[Singing is heard in the distance. " Spring Delights," found 
on p. 42 of the " Golden Wreath," published by Oliver 
Ditsou, Boston, Mass.] 



WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 5 

[The nymphs should wear very plain white dresses, without 
trimming ; the Dryads, a green mantle draped over the 
right shoulder, and a small wreath of evergreen upon 
the head; the Oreads, a brown mantle, and a gilt band 
about the head; the Naiads, a.band of silver paper and 
a white mantle. The nymphs should be sweet singers ; 
their number must depend upon the size of the stage. 
There should be, at least, three of each class.] 

Flora. List ! soft strains of music fall upon mine ear; 
Dost thou not hear it ? 

(^Zephyros listens.') 

Zephyros. May is coming ! I will go forth to greet her. 

[He goes out and returns with May, followed by the nymphs, 
singing as they come. All bow before the Goddess.] 

Zephyros. May and her attendants I present to thee, 
Most lovely Goddess ! 

Flora. All hail ! Most gladly do we welcome thee, 

Beautiful May ! 

{May bows.) 

May. Great Goddess ! 

I come, thy realm more glorious to make. 
From nature's sleep, all living things to wake. 
The verdure will assume a deeper green. 
The sunlight will descend with brighter sheen, 
Unfettered, streamlets gleeful music make, 
And countless birds the forest echoes wake. 
Thy pathway strewn with flowers, more pleasant be, 
While nymphs and fairies minister to thee; 
And may luxuriance ev'ry where abound. 
With great success, be all thine efforts crowned. 

Flora. Thou wilt enhance my glory, lovely May, 

By thy bewitching charms, full well I know. 

Seemly it is that we should celebrate 

Thy coming, for 7nuch we to thy bounty owe. 



^ 



6 WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 

( To Zepliyros) This is our festal day. The fairies, callj 
Their duty is to find the Queen of May. 

[He raps luiih a wand three times, upon a stone near hy.) 

Zepliyros. Come ! fairies, come ! quickly haste to our call ! 
While the bright stars keep their watch over all. 

(He listens and raps again.) 

Haste ! fairies, haste ! soon will dawn the new 

day; 
The mists of the morning are fleeing away. 

{Listens and raps again.") 

Haste ! quickly haste ! It is Flora's command, 
To call together her elfin baud. 

[The fairies should be small girls, dressed in white, with 
butterfly-shaped wings, made of white muslin or window- 
screening, on wire frames, and decorated with gilt paper; 
white hose, no shoes, or white slippers; hair hanging 
loosely. The queen of the fairies should have a wand 
and a small crown made of gilt paper; number of fairies 
— six or more.] 

Fairies enter, tripping lightly along, and how low before the 
Goddess.) 

Flora. Well done ! my fleet little fays, 

So quickly to respond. Our festal day 
Has come again. Your mission is to bring, 
A maid, whom we may crown as Queen of May. 
Seek not for one whose charms are in her face. 
But one with loveliness of heart and mind, 
Whose virtues, lustre shed on all around. 
Haste, fairies I speed away ! the maid to find. 

{They hoio and retire quickly.) 

{To the nymphs.) The nymphs, also, may their assistance lend; 
Escort the chosen one with laud and song ; 



Their choicest treasures bring from near and far, 
Then haste at once to join the festive throng ! 

(Exeunt nymphs.) 



SECOND SCENE. 

[A pretty young lady, finely dressed, her demeanor haughty, 
comes out and sings '* The May Queen," by Tennyson. 
Music by W. R. Dempster. It may be found in "The 
Golden Wreath," to which reference has already been 
made, or at any music store. The words of the last part 
of each verse should be changed as follows : ] 

I'm to be queen of the May, mother, 
I'm to be queen of the May, 

to — I hope to be queen of the May, mother, 
I hope to be queen of the May. 

"" [Sing the first, second, fourth, sixth and eleventh verses. 
(To be found in Tennyson's poems.) These are selected 
as being most appropriate for this exercise. During the 
singing, place some trees before the throne, so as to con- 
ceal it. Let the fairies be seen peeping out from behind 
the trees ; some of them pointing at the singer, as if to 
indicate that the Queen is before them; others shaking 
their heads, meaning that she is not.] 

(^Curtain falls.) 



THIRD SCENE. 



[Fairies seen in the same place ; a young girl, intelligent 
looking, but not handsome, plainly dressed ; hair braided 
and hanging.] 



8 WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 

Maiden. How lovely is this morn ! 'Tis passing fair ! 
I love to wander in the early dawn, * 

O'er field and hill to gather flowers of Spring, 
Of sunshine warm and gentle showers born. 

(^Slie listens.^ 

I hear the happy Mayers as they go 

With merrv shout and laugh, to wreathe a crown 

For her whom they would make the Queen of 

]\Iay, 
The fairest maiden found in all the town. 

How joyous such an one will be to-day ! 
She who is found for regal honors meet. 
But they are not for me. I wish they were, 
That I might lay them at another's feet. 

There's poor sick Bessie down in yonder lane, 
Who cannot see the flowers, and oft is sad 
Because the darkness and the light are both 
Alike to her — so d^rk ! I'd make her glad ! 

I'll gather blossoms fresh, and weave for her 
A garland sweet, with which to deck her brow ; 
Then I'll proclaim Blind Bessie, Queen of May, 
And in her royal presence I will bow. 

{Listens.') 

But hark ! some mystic personage is near. 
Within these silent shades, I've oft been told, 
From dawn till dark, in early sunlight, too. 
That nymph and fairy, here, their revels hold. 

{A fairy appears ; maiden attempts to escape.) 

Fairy. Fear not, dear maiden, 

To linger here ; 
Thou hast found favor, 
And friends are near. 

The Goddess Flora, 

Who reigneth now, 
And in whose presence 

We often bow. 



WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 9 

To us has given 

A mission great — 
•'Bring one for crowning ! " 

On thee, we wait. 

Maiden. Sweet fay, for this I know that thou must be, 
I've often heard of thee — how kind thou art, 
How thou dost visit mortals, help and cheer ; 
Of comfort, blessing, joy thou dost impart. 
Thou knowest what the custom is each year, — 
The fairest maid is slie wlio wears the crown ; 
And I am but a plain and simple lass. 
Can not expect such glory and renown. 

Thou dost mistake me for some other maid, 
'Tis plain to see. lielease me now, I pray; 
From this enchanted spot, let me withdraw, 
Whilst thou shalt seek elsewhere the Queen of May. 

Fairy. 'Twas Flora's order, — 

(We must obey) ; 
"Bring n<A the fairest 
For Queen of May, 

" But one of beauty 

Of heart possessed." 
Of such a maiden 

We are in quest. 

Thou art thus comely, 

As we have seen ; 
And thou art worthy 

To be our Queen. 

Maiden. Whene'er did graces rare, my soul adorn ? 

The deference thou wouldst give, is not for me. 
'Twas ne'er designed that 1 a sceptre bear, 
Or at my footstool, any bow the knee. 

Fay. (^Several fays advance. 

Thou art our captive. 

With love we bind ; 
Our thrall is freedom 
Thou'lt ever find. 



10 WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 

Maiden. Thanks ! gentle fay, for what thou wouldst confer. 
I yield myself to such a power as thine; 
But let me place upon another's brow 
The chaplet which for me, thou wouldst entwine. 

Fairy. The crown belongeth, 

Dear maid, to thee ; 
Shrink not from wearing, 
But hapi>y be. 

(^Instrumental music.') 



FOURTH SCENE. 

[During the interval between the last scene and this, deco- 
rate the throne with flowers. The Queen should be 
dressed in white. The Mayers may be dressed in white 
or not, as you please, but should carry baskets and bou- 
quets of flowers. Flora is seen upon tlie throne ; Zeph- 
yros on her left, -May on her right. Singing heard in the 
distance. ^ Away to the hills," — found in " The Golden 
llobin," p. 112.] 

Flora. They tarry long, who search for one to wear 
The honors of this festive day. 

May. Melodious strains are wafted on the breeze ! 

ZepJiyros. They come! They come! I'll away to meet 
them! 

{Exit Zephyr OS.) 

May. How pleasing is their song! the air around. 

Each moment sweeter grows with tuneful sound. 

Flora. Much more enchanting seems the song of nymphs 
Than mortal's lay, though it be ne'er so sweet. 



WnO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 11 

May. Thou hast well said; and Nature's music, too, 
For us has a peculiar spell. 

Flora, They're drawing nearer, and will soon appear. 

{Theij listen.') 

[Enter Zephyros followed by nymphs (singing'), fairies and 
Mayers ; tlie number of the latter, same as of nymphs. 
They should march single file, winding in and out among 
the trees, to give the appearance of a long procession, 
and finally, j^ass before the throne to their places, where 
they will stand in the following order: 

May. Flora.- Zephyros. 

Nymphs. Mayers. 

Queen. 
Fairies. Fairies.'\ 

All Hail! lovely Goddess. All hail! 

{They hoiv again.) 

{The Goddess, May and Zephyros achioidedge.) 

Flora. All hail ! 

To nymphs and fairies, I must say, well done! 
Moi-e difficult your task than e'er before. 
More winning is the beauty you have sought 
Than outward grace; the recompense is more. 

{Takes off her crown.) 

{To maiden) O mortal, highly favored, thee we greet! 

AYorthy art thou, this floral crown to wear, 
AV^hich was by fairy fingers wov'n for me, 
But now I give it thee, O maiden fair! 
With wishes kind, this precious gift receive ; 

{Maiden kneels to receive the crown.) 

And may its loveliness but add to thine. 
Beloved by gods and mortals, nymphs and fays, 
May all thy graces more resplendent shine. 

{Gives sceptre.) 



sX 



12 WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 

This sceptre take, before whicli all must bow; 
Wield it in love, and e'er reniember \\ell, 
"What gave thee power o'er all lAir hearts to-day, 
And may'st thou e'er in graces rare, excel. 
Arise ! I now proclaim thee. Queen of May! 
Ascend thy throne ! May happiness attend ! 

{To others.) 

Behold your queen ! and render homage due. 
All. AVe hail thee, Queen of Mayl 

{They bow low.) 

May. It seems most fitting that / first should greet, 
And pay my homage at thy royal feet, 
8ince I am honored by thy being crowned, 
And hill and valley with thy praise resound. 
I came fi-om far to join the festal train, 
To live within thy beauteous domain ; 
I've brought rare treasures from a southern clime. 
And fragi-ant flowers to deck tlie fair Spring-time, 
To make thy kingdom beautiful and bright, 
A band of songsters, too, to give delight. 
Hail ! lovely (^ueen. Here at thy feet I lay 
A floral tribute, and would own thy sway. 

[Kneels and presents offering of flowers.) 

[Violin music behind the scenes — "Listen to the Mocking 
Bird," — during which all assume a listening attitude. 

{Dryads step forward loith branches of evergreen trees.) 

One of Dryads. From deep ravine and wooded vale. 
We come with dance and song ; 
We welcome coronation day. 
And join this merry throng. 

' Before thy throne, most lovely queen, 
We come on bended knee, 

{They kneel). 

And own thy right to give command, 
Our off'rings make to thee. 

{Present branches of trees.) 



WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 13 

(^Oreads come forward, hearing in trays and in their liands, 
pieces of ore.) 

One of Oreads. We come from our mountain liome away, 
With spirits light and free, 
Unite our song with sister nymphs, 
And honor give to thee. 

As gentle breezes from the hills, 
AVaft perfume everywhere, 

So may thy life exhale abroad 
A fragrance rich and rare. 

{Kneel and make offerings.) 
{Naiads come forward ivith handsome jars containing water.) 

One of Naiads. AVhere crystal fountains, sparkling bright. 
And pure perennial springs 
Send forth their limpid, purling streams. 
Which sweet refreshing brings, 

From thence, we, our oblations bring. 

Our fealty pay to thee ; 
Accept our simple gift, loved Queen, 

This is our only plea. 

{Kneel and present offerings.) 
{Fairies, loith ffoicers, come forward.) 

Queen of Fairies. With hearts so gay 

AVe come to-day, 
Bringing fairy treasure. 

And wishing joy 

Without alloy, 
Found in greatest measure. 

Long live the Queen, 
Of graceful meiii ! 
This wand we now extend thee; 

{Gives wand.) 



14 WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 

Its use will liring 

Our fairy ring, • 

• "Who ever -will befriend thee. 

{They present Jloicers and Ineel.) 

All shout. Long live the Queen ! 

(All hieel: then arhe.) 

[Mayers go forvi^ard and sing, " The Sun's Gay Beam," found 
in " The Golden AV'reath." A second verse has been 
added. Both are given below.] 

" The sun's gay beam on the hill-top glows; 
The dew lies bright on the vale's repose; 

Befoi'e the lark we leave our i-est; 

Delight and joy now fill the breast ; 
We wake to the early morning call, 
We join in the chorus one and all ; 

We list to the sound of the cheerful horn, 

We come to the call of the early morn." 

We greet this beautiful day, new-born, 

We shout for joy on this bright May morn ; 
We hither come to gather flowers 
And spend the early morning hours; 

We carol our merry roundelay. 

And cheerily celebrate this day. 

We hail thee our Queen, and our off'rings bring, 
■ To lay at thy feet as we joyfully sing. 



[Present Jioio^rs and kneel.) 



Queen {arises). 



Arise ! all ye who in my presence bow. 
Unworthy such obeisance to receive 
1 know, but since on me has been bestowed 
Tliis chaplet rare, your love, I must believe, 
Has prompted all your gracious acts ; 



WHO SHALL BE QUEEN OF MAY? 15 

And so with meekness I will try to wear 

The honors given. For these, accept my thanks; 

And may I e'er your love and kindness share. 

May all my subjects, joy and blessing find, 

And great success attend my gentle reign; 

Full many a bloodless victory may we win. 

And peace and plenty follow in their train' 

Again, fair Goddess, nymphs, sweet fays, and all, 

My thanks to you for this bright gala day ! 

Its scenes, I trust, I often shall recall. 

And also why you crowned me, queen of May. 

All iiJwut: Long live the Queen of May! 

{Instrumental music, during which curtain falls.) 



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